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Penstemon digitalis (Foxglove penstemon, Beard tongue)

Penstemon digitalis Penstemon digitalis 'Husker Red' Photo/Illustration: Steve Aitken



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Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
Botanical Name: Penstemon digitalis PEN-steh-mon dij-ih-TAL-iss Common Name: Foxglove penstemon, Beard tongue Genus: Penstemon
This vigorous perennial bears elegant clusters of pure white flowers marked with purple or pale violet from early to late summer. Semi-evergreen basal rosettes and deciduous or semi-evergreen stems are also often marked reddish purple.
 Noteworthy characteristics: Easy to grow and cold hardy. Attracts bees.
 Care: Grow in well-drained soil.
 Propagation: Take softwood cuttings in early summer or semi-ripe cuttings in mid-summer. Divide in spring.
 Problems: Powdery mildew, rust, leaf spots, and Southern blight. Slugs and snails may damage young plants.
Height 1 ft. to 3 ft.
Spread 1 ft. to 3 ft.
Light Full Sun Only
Moisture Medium Moisture
Maintenance Low
Characteristics Attracts Birds; Attracts Butterflies; Attracts Hummingbirds; Native; Showy Flowers; Showy Foliage
Bloom Time Summer
Flower Color Purple/ Lavender Flower; White Flower
Uses Beds and Borders, Cut Flower, Naturalizing
Style Woodland Garden
Seasonal Interest Summer Interest
Type Perennials

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